The Manifesto calls for a creation of a ‘Sustainable Enterprise’ status in Swiss legislation. This qualification would be open - but not mandatory - to any for-profit entity that is willing to commit to be assessed and to report on a comprehensive set of targets that are consistent with Environmental, Social and Governance indicators.

The Manifesto was written by the Alliance for Sustainable Enterprises Team in consultation with experts and stakeholders from various fields and industries.

We define a “Sustainable Enterprise” as a forward-thinking business that integrates environmental, social, and governance criteria as well as stakeholder expectations in its mission, business model, and operations. It evaluates stakeholder impact, maintains ethical and anti-corruption standards, respects human rights, has strategies for greenhouse gas emission reduction and environmental impact, ensures transparent lobbying aligned with its purpose, provides equitable working conditions, fosters broad diversity, and actively contributes to community well-being. Sustainable enterprises aspire to create viable business solutions and act as change agents who realize and exploit opportunities for sustainable development.

The Manifesto is open to all actors of Swiss society that support progress on sustainable development. That includes, but is not limited to, companies, social enterprises, associations, experts, academicians, and citizens.

Switzerland’s material footprint is growing, which is contrary to sustainable development. The consumption of natural resources necessary for the production and transport of goods and services consumed in Switzerland is increasing, in particular the share linked to imports leading to an increasing environmental burden abroad. Our proposal complements existing ongoing efforts by creating a mechanism that incentivizes and accelerates the contribution of the private sector to Agenda 2030 for sustainable development.

We propose the establishment of an option to qualify as a "Sustainable Enterprise" for all profit-making companies. Our proposal does not impose new obligations on businesses that do not wish to obtain this status, but encourages those who do wish to prepare for future obligations imposed by the EU and internationally.

Our proposal is addressed to any profit-making entity in Switzerland, of any size and sector. We believe that every business should have the opportunity to embrace sustainability.

The 'Sustainable Enterprise' status is designed to be universally applicable across the entire spectrum of for-profit legal entities. This includes traditional corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and social enterprises such as cooperatives. The key factor is not the type of entity, but rather its commitment to integrating sustainability principles into its business operations. This means that any for-profit enterprise, irrespective of its business model, can qualify for 'sustainable enterprise' status if it meets the designated criteria of blending social responsibility and environmental stewardship with profitable business practice.

Our proposal builds on European and international best practices, including benefit company legislative frameworks. However it differs from it in different ways. The principal difference is that our approach requires Sustainable Enterprises to maintain rigorous standards of auditing and reporting on a comprehensive set of social, environmental and governance indicators that are aligned with UN, OECD, and existing and emerging European Union standards and regulations. This alignment seeks to achieve a globally recognized and respected standard of sustainability in enterprise.

Our proposal would offer several advantages, including:

- meeting the needs of entrepreneurs who are asking for a “ready-made” model to guide their transition to sustainability

- protecting consumers against “greenwashing”

- assisting regulators in identifying companies that are serious about their social and environmental commitments

- improving business performance of companies that qualify as “Sustainable Enterprises” but also of those that undertake the process to prepare for future qualification or simply use the Sustainable Enterprise framework to guide their business operations

- accelerating Switzerland’s progress towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda goals.

- strengthening Switzerland's position as an ideal sustainable finance location.